Israel announced on Sunday that it would close its embassy in Ireland following European countries' recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state and other actions that Israel says promoted “anti-Semitic rhetoric.” .
“Ireland's actions and anti-Semitic rhetoric towards Israel are rooted in the delegitimization and demonization of the Jewish state and double standards. Ireland must not overstep any limits in its relations with Israel. A red line has been crossed,” the country's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said in a statement.
“Israel will invest resources in advancing bilateral relations with countries around the world, according to priorities that also take into account their attitudes and actions toward Israel,” he added.
The Irish Prime Minister refused to sever ties and declared Ireland a peaceful country.
“Ireland wants a two-state solution and wants Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security,” Prime Minister Simon Harris wrote. ×.
The comments follow Ireland's decision to uphold South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice for crimes against humanity.
“Ireland will always speak out for human rights and international law and nothing will distract from that,” Harris added.
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid also condemned Israel's move, calling it a police raid.
“The decision to close the Israeli embassy in Ireland is a victory for anti-Semitism and anti-Israel organizations,” he wrote. ×.
“The way to deal with criticism is not to run away, but to stand still and fight!”
